KhaDarel Hodge Injury History & Analysis

Falcons WR Darnell Mooney (shoulder) is inactive for today’s game vs. the Panthers. It’s a significant loss. Mooney ranks second among Falcons in targets, catches, receiving yards, and receiving TDs. WR KhaDarel Hodge figures to pick up most of Mooney’s snaps today but would be a desperation fantasy start. WRs Drake London and Ray-Ray McCloud and TE Kyle Pitts could also get target boosts.

Falcons WR Drake London (groin) is out for Sunday’s game vs. the Vikings. That leaves Atlanta with WRs Van Jefferson, KhaDarel Hodge, Mack Hollins, and Scotty Miller. Seriously. TEs Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith should draw more targets with London out. RBs Bijan Robinson and Cordarrelle Patterson could also play expanded roles in the passing game.

The Falcons rested WR Olamide Zaccheaus along with other starters in Saturday night's preseason finale. According to Pro Football Focus' Nathan Jahnke, Zaccheaus "consistently" served as the 1st-team slot WR through the previous 2 exhibitions. Bryan Edwards, meanwhile, has split time with KhaDarel Hodge outside. Zaccheaus could very well be the #2 WR and 4th receiving option in Atlanta. That's not a high-upside spot but worth noting for the end of deep fantasy football drafts.

Browns LG Joel Bitonio and WR KhaDarel Hodge have tested positive for COVID and are out for Sunday's Wild Card game vs. the Steelers. Bitonio, one of the best Gs in the league, is the big loss. Hodge's absence locks Donovan Peoples-Jones in as Cleveland's #3 WR for this one. HC Kevin Stefanski also has COVID and won't be available for the Steelers game. The Browns offense is in an extremely tough spot.